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Oxygen systems
I've had a MountainHigh portable system for some years now. The big advantage of the pulsed delivery (other vendors have similar) is that your bottle duration is measured in trips, not in hours. It's a real pain to have your bottle poop out on you when there's no convenient place to refill. Also, portable systems are much easier and cheaper to refill than built-in systems. And when you refill an oxygen system, it's a fixed price per refill, regardless of how empty your system is or how big the bottle is. I have a big carbon fiber bottle, and it's great.
As for the "need" for oxygen, it turns out that there is essentially no research in the literature documenting the need for oxygen at low altitudes. My empirical evidence is that the FARs are much too lenient, and my personal physiology appreciates oxygen above 8000. On a long, hot bumpy all-day cross country without oxygen, I'm wiped out at the end of the day. With oxygen, I feel good except for a sore nose from the cannula. And this was true when I lived at 5,000 feet and walked 20 miles per week with superlative pulse and blood pressure. One presenter at Oshkosh a few years back said that four hours without supplemental oxygen was the equivalent of a half hour at 14,000 in terms of hypoxia. In my book, being macho about getting along without oxygen makes as much sense as landing with as little fuel left as possible. And then there's hydration -- water. For me, hydration means drinking a lot of water the day before so that water can permeate the cells. On the day of the flight, water consumption is sips during the flight. Big chugs of water right before the flight don't do much except exercise the bladder... What's surprising to me is how much of hypoxia and hydration has to do with comfort and personal performance. Nobody wants to be uncomfortable in an airplane, and nobody wants to fly an airplane poorly. It's amazing how much difference oxygen and water can make, and how easy it is to do. |
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I ended up mounting my bottle on the seat-back using the clamps that Mountain High sells. I used the "D" size bottle (15 cu. ft) which can be positioned to avoid any interference with the rear stick. This has worked out very well; I use it routinely for flying out west. |
O2 systems.
There is no need to purchase expensive "Aviation Branded" O2 systems. I have been using a regular medical O2 delivery system for years. I spoke with my AME and he recommended a flow rate (1.5L). This demand system is portable, safe and CHEAP. Have your bottle filled with "Aviator's breathing oxygen" at any industrial gas outfit that sells oxygen.
O2: $17.00 Tank & regulator: $55.00 Stick it on your face and FLY! :D P.S. I flew in the Marine Corps (A6-E, EA-6B and EA-6A) and we were required to be on oxygen at ALL times when we flew. In civillian mode, I use oxygen after 3000' nighttime and 5000' daytime. :) P.P.S If you are really concerned about oxygen saturation in your blood, get a finger oxymeter, they are also cheap (~$100.00) and WELL WORTH IT!:D |
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Guy |
I can vouch for the Mountain High pulse demand system too. It isn't a small initial purchase, but it is worth it. It is a no hassle system, just turn it on, and it takes care of proper delivery. Tanya and I have used it quite a bit. I refill my own bottle from welding O2. I have two (stage) tanks in the hangar.
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Go Medical O2 !
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Highly recommend the Chad Oxysaver or Oxymiser cannulas. You can cut the normal flow in half and waste very little O2. I normally run .25-.5 LPM when solo. Living in Denver at 6300' I practically strap it on at takeoff ;-) |
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I don't, but I can take one this weekend and post. |
Oximeters
>If you are really concerned about oxygen saturation in your blood, get a finger oxymeter, they are also cheap (~$100.00) and WELL WORTH IT!
Had one for years, and it appears that 90% saturation is bottom value for aviating. My physiology really likes to be at 93% or more to feel good, but there's lots more to hypoxia avoidance than just feeling good. And I don't recall having seen any numbers in the scientific literature... Some of the postings about cheap, improvised oxygen systems scare me... Like, would you try to save money with an improvised parachute? |
'Morning Ed_wischmeyer!
I have a question about your comment "Some of the postings about cheap, improvised oxygen systems scare me... Like, would you try to save money with an improvised parachute?" I suppose if you haven't researched the issue, you would be frightened. Do you believe only one manufacturer has the capability to produce a safe, reliable, efficent oxygen delivery system? Would that manufacturer be Mountain High? Do you consider all other systems not manufactured by Mountain High, "improvised"? You are entitled to your opinion and fears, but we must all remember it's just your opinion. |
For those reviewing this thread who might not be aware, there is already an existing thread which has a lot of great info on building your own O2 setup:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=28412 |
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